Test your basic knowledge |

Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A symbol indicating that the note is to be diminished by one semitone.






2. A composition written for three to six voices. Beginning with the exposition - each voice enters at different times - creating counterpoint with one another.






3. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






4. The tonal characteristics determined by the relationship of the notes to the tone.






5. A system of notation for stringed instruments. The notes are indicated by the finger positions.






6. Unmusical - without tone.






7. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






8. Music that is easy to listen to and understand.






9. Lowest female singing voice.






10. A composition written for a solo instrument. The soloist plays the melody while the orchestra plays the accompaniment.






11. A short light musical drama.






12. Pertaining to the sonata form - a fast movement in triple time.






13. The playing or singing the upper half of the vocal range. Also the highest voice in choral singing.






14. Pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition. Also the symbols in sheet music indicating volume.






15. A composition written for eight instruments.






16. Repetition of a single tone.






17. A canon where the melody is sung in two or more voices. After the first voice begins - the next voice starts singing after a couple of measures are played in the preceding voice. All parts repeat continuously.






18. The retuning of a stringed instrument in order to play notes below the ordinary range of the instrument or to produce an usual tone color.






19. A single line of music played or sung. A musical sentence.






20. A person with notable technical skill in the performance of music.






21. A group of 4 instruments - two violins - a viola - and cello.






22. The unit of measure where the beats on the lines of the staff are divided up into two - three - four beats to a measure.






23. Originally an improvised cadence by a soloist. Later it became a written out passage to display performance skills of an instrumentalist or performer.






24. A direction in sheet music indicating the tempo is to be very fast.






25. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






26. An extended solo - often accompanying the vocal part of an aria.






27. A harmonic given off by a note when it is played.






28. Rapid alternation between notes that are a half tone or whole tone apart.






29. To shift to another key.






30. The highest female voice.






31. The performance of either all instruments of an orchestra or voices in a chorus.






32. Music of a particular form consisting of four movements. Each of the movements differ in tempo - rhythm - and melody; but are held together by subject and style.






33. A tempo having slow movement; restful at ease.






34. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.






35. A short piece originally preceded by a more substantial work - also an orchestral introduction to opera - however not lengthy enough to be considered an overture.






36. The retuning of a stringed instrument in order to play notes below the ordinary range of the instrument or to produce an usual tone color.






37. A curve over notes to indicate that a phrase is to be played legato.






38. Two or more voices or instruments playing the same note simultaneously.






39. A book of text containing the words of an opera.






40. The interval between two notes. Two whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






41. A complex piece of music. Usually the first movement of the piece serving as the exposition - a development - or recapitulation.






42. A group of 4 instruments - two violins - a viola - and cello.






43. Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also - the study of music.






44. Closing section of a movement.






45. A drama where the words are sung instead of spoken.






46. Unmusical - without tone.






47. Singing in unison - texts in a free rhythm. Similar to the rhythm of speech.






48. Short movement or interlude connecting the main parts of the composition.






49. A person with notable technical skill in the performance of music.






50. Tone color - quality of sound that distinguishes one verse or instrument to another. It is determined by the harmonies of sound.







Sorry!:) No result found.

Can you answer 50 questions in 15 minutes?


Let me suggest you:

Browse all subjects

Browse all tests

Most popular tests



Major Subjects

Tests & Exams


AP
CLEP
DSST
GRE
SAT
GMAT

Browse all subjects

Browse all tests

Most popular tests